Caorlan and Ciara McAllister have announced they have taken ownership of The Halfway House in Banbridge, having acquired the licence and trading premises for the century-old pub and restaurant as part of a six-figure investment supported by Ulster Bank.
Former hospitality manager, Caorlan McAllister took over the lease of the County Down bar and restaurant in September 2020, with then business partner Gavin Bates.
He recently completed a management buyout of the business with his wife Ciara.
'New Opportunities'
“The transformation of The Halfway House over the past four years is testament to the resilience of Caorlan and his team as they navigated the immensely challenging market conditions facing the hospitality sector," said Lee White, Ulster Bank business development manager.
“We’re pleased to provide the funding to support the acquisition of the licence and premises, which offers the business greater security and opens up new opportunities for growth and development.”
Economic Climate
The new owners plan to make the business as sustainable as possible.
“We took a gamble on the business after its initial closure in March 2020. It was a challenging time for hospitality, but the response from the community when we reopened was overwhelmingly positive,” said Caorlan McAllister.
“That response and regular custom sustained us."
Cost Saving
The couple are exploring cost-saving measures, including solar energy and improved heating systems, to help combat rising energy costs.
Furthermore, over the last six months they have frozen menu prices.
'Giving Back'
“It’s part of us giving back to the community," said Caorlan McAllister.
"We’re committed to providing an affordable entry point for diners and are seeing many happy customers returning.”
